Description
Mexican-inspired ground beef taco cabbage skillet delivers a low-carb, flavor-packed meal that combines hearty protein with crisp vegetables. Families will savor this quick, nutritious dinner that brings zesty spices and wholesome ingredients together in one satisfying pan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small head of cabbage (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g), shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsps) taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) water or beef broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed)
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Sear ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly crumbling until achieving a rich, caramelized brown color. Drain excess grease to maintain a clean flavor profile.
- Aromatic Foundation: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until their fragrance intensifies, creating a robust flavor base that infuses the entire dish with depth and character.
- Vegetable Integration: Add shredded cabbage and bell peppers to the skillet, stirring consistently to ensure even cooking. Allow vegetables to soften and release natural moisture while developing a tender-crisp texture that complements the meat.
- Flavor Fusion: Reintroduce browned beef to the vegetable mixture, generously coating with taco seasoning. Introduce a measured liquid to enhance flavor complexity, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld harmoniously.
- Final Flourish: Blanket the skillet with melting cheese, covering briefly to create a golden, luxurious topping. Garnish with fresh herbs or preferred toppings, then serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Select Lean Beef: Choose ground beef with 85-90% lean meat to minimize excess fat and prevent a greasy final dish, ensuring cleaner flavor and healthier preparation.
- Drain Excess Fat: Thoroughly remove beef grease after browning to maintain a light, non-oily texture and prevent unwanted heaviness in the skillet.
- Control Moisture Levels: Allow cabbage to release water gradually, stirring frequently to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain a slightly crisp, tender consistency.
- Season Strategically: Adjust taco seasoning intensity based on personal preference, starting with less and gradually adding more to balance flavors without overwhelming the dish’s natural ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg